Electrical box mounting bracket

ABSTRACT

An improved mounting bracket can be used to selectively support both 4 inch square electrical boxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxes such that vertical movement of either type of electrical box is limited. The mounting bracket is preferably a one-piece, unitary member stamped from sheet metal. The mounting bracket has a top support rail, a bottom support rail and a pair of mounting ends coupling the support rails together to define a large, elongated central cut-out portion. An electrical box and its associated cover may be mounted between two wall studs by first attaching the mounting bracket of the present invention to the wall studs. The open front end of the box is then placed flush against the rear surface of the bracket such that a top portion of the box contacts the bottom rail of the bracket. Next, the associated cover is placed on the front surface of the bracket opposite and aligned with the box such that a top portion of the cover contacts the top support rail and a bottom portion of the cover contacts the bottom support rail. Finally, the electrical box and the cover are fastened together to complete installation of the electrical box to the bracket. The inner edges of the rails are spaced to engage the mounting screws of a 4 inch square electrical box such that the electrical box cannot significantly move up or down relative to the mounting bracket. The top and bottom support rails are each provided with an abutment for engaging either the outer surface of a 411/16 inch square electrical box or the faceplate of the 411/16 inch square electrical box such that the electrical box will not significantly move up or down relative to the mounting bracket when coupled thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a mounting bracket securedbetween a pair of studs in a wall for supporting an electrical boxtherebetween. More specifically, the mounting bracket of the presentinvention relates to a mounting bracket which is capable of mountingelectrical boxes with different depths as well as both 4 inch squareboxes and 411/16 inch square boxes with limited vertical movement of theelectrical box relative to the mounting bracket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently, there are many types of mounting brackets available on themarket for mounting electrical boxes to wall studs. Many of the mountingbrackets are designed to be mounted to a single wall stud for supportinga single electrical box. While these mounting brackets work well, theydo not provide a wide range of adjustability between wall studs and onlysupport a single electrical box. Accordingly, mounting brackets forsupporting a plurality of electrical boxes have been developed whichspan between a pair of adjacent wall studs to allow the builder toconveniently position the electrical box or boxes between the wallstuds.

One example of a prior mounting bracket, which is capable of supportinga wide variety of electrical boxes, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,330,137 to Oliva. The mounting bracket of the Oliva patent providesinfinite adjustability and can be used with boxes of different depths.Moreover, the mounting bracket of the Oliva patent can be used to eithera 4 inch square electrical box or a 411/16 inch square electrical box orboth. However, one disadvantage of the mounting bracket disclosed in theOliva patent is that it allows for too much vertical movement of certainsizes of electrical boxes such that one of the mounting screws of awiring device can bottom out on the mounting bracket and thus cannot befully threaded into the cover More specifically, the central cutout ofthe mounting bracket of the Oliva patent is too large such that mountingscrews coupling the electrical box and cover together can movevertically within the central cutout of the mounting bracket of theOliva patent. This movement of the electrical box can cause the threadedhole in the cover for mounting a wiring device to overlap with themounting bracket such that the mounting screw of the wiring devicecannot be fully threaded into the cover.

To avoid this problem, the opening or central cutout of the mountingbracket of the Oliva patent could be designed to prevent verticalmovement of either a 4 inch square electrical box or a 411/16 inchsquare electrical box by sizing the central cutout to engage themounting screws of the electrical box and cover. However, if the centralcutout is sized to limit vertical movement of either the 4 inch squareelectrical box or the 411/16 inch square electrical box, then thecentral cutout will not be correctly sized to accommodate the othermentioned electrical box to prevent vertical movement relative thereto.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a mounting bracket which has all ofthe advantages of the electrical mounting bracket disclosed in the Olivapatent as well as the ability to mount both 4 inch square electricalboxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxes such that the electricalbox mounting bracket will substantially prevent relative movement ofboth types of electrical boxes mounted thereto.

This invention addresses these problems in the art, along with otherneeds which will become apparent to those skilled in the art once giventhis disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracketwhich is capable of mounting both 4 inch square electrical boxes and411/16 inch square electrical boxes between a pair of adjacent wallstuds such that vertical movement between the mounting bracket and theelectrical box mounted thereto is limited, while horizontal movement isvirtually unlimited.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electricalmounting bracket which can accommodate electrical boxes having differentdepths.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracketwhich is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracketwhich is relatively easy to install.

The foregoing objects are basically attained by providing a mountingbracket for selectively mounting both 4 inch square electrical boxes and411/16 inch square electrical boxes thereto and for attachment betweenfirst and second adjacent support members, comprising: a top supportrail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outeredge, the top support rail being free of mounting apertures foraccommodating a fastener, the top support rail further having a topabutment; a bottom support rail having a front surface, a rear surface,an inner edge and an outer edge, the bottom support rail being free ofmounting apertures for accommodating a fastener, the bottom support railfurther having a bottom abutment; a first mounting end coupled to andextending between first ends of the top and bottom support rails, thefirst mounting end being adapted to be attached to the first supportmember; and a second mounting end coupled to and extending betweensecond ends of the top and bottom support rails, the second mounting endbeing adapted to be attached to the second support member; the top andbottom support rails being spaced apart by the first and second mountingends to define an elongated central cut-out portion, the inner edges ofthe top and bottom support rails being spaced apart by a distance whichis substantially equal to or slightly greater than the distance betweena pair of mounting screws of a 4 inch square electrical box, and the topand bottom abutments being spaced apart by a distance which issubstantially equal to or slightly greater than the outer dimension of a411/16 inch square electrical box.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses four preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings which form part of this originaldisclosure:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an electrical box mounting bracket attachedbetween a pair of studs or support members, and with a 4 inch squareelectrical box and a 411/16 inch square electrical box coupled theretovia a pair of covers in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top plan view of the mounting bracket, theelectrical boxes and their associated covers illustrated in FIG. 1,prior to mounting to the studs or support members;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the mounting bracket illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2, with the electrical boxes and associated coverscoupled thereto but with the studs or support members removed forpurpose of illustration;

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting bracketillustrated in FIGS. 1-3, taken along section line 4--4 of FIG. 3, andwith the 411/16 inch square electrical box and its associated coverillustrated in elevation;

FIG. 5 is an exploded transverse cross-sectional view of the mountingbracket illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and with the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box and its associated cover illustrated in elevation;

FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting bracketillustrated in FIGS. 1-3, taken along section line 6--6 of FIG. 3, andwith the 4 inch square electrical box and its associated coverillustrated in elevation and the 411/16 inch square electrical boxremoved for clarity;

FIG. 7 is an exploded transverse cross-sectional view of the mountingbracket illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and with the 4 inch square electricalbox and its associated cover illustrated in elevation;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the mounting bracket illustratedin FIGS. 1-7 in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a conventional 411/16 inch squareelectrical box which can be used with the mounting bracket in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a conventional 4 inch square electricalbox which can be used with the mounting bracket in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket in accordancewith a second embodiment of the present invention, with a 4 inch squareelectrical box, a 411/16 inch square electrical box and their associatedcovers coupled thereto;

FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting bracketillustrated in FIG. 11, taken along section line 12--12 of FIG. 11, andwith the 411/16 inch square electrical box and its associated coverillustrated in elevation;

FIG. 13 is an exploded transverse cross-sectional view of the mountingbracket illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, and with the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box and its associated cover illustrated in elevation;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket in accordancewith a third embodiment of the present invention, with a 4 inch squareelectrical box, a 411/16 inch square electrical box and their associatedcovers coupled thereto;

FIG. 15 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting bracketillustrated in FIG. 14, taken along section line 15--15 of FIG. 14, andwith the 411/16 inch square electrical box and its associated coverillustrated in elevation;

FIG. 16 is an exploded transverse cross-sectional view of the mountingbracket illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, and with the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box and its associated cover illustrated in elevation;

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket in accordancewith a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with a 4 inch squareelectrical box, a 411/16 inch square electrical box and their associatedcovers coupled thereto;

FIG. 18 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting bracketillustrated in FIG. 17 taken along section line 18--18 of FIG. 17, andwith the 411/16 inch square electrical box and its associated coverillustrated in elevation; and

FIG. 19 is an exploded transverse cross-sectional view of the mountingbracket illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, and with the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box and its associated cover illustrated in elevation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, an electrical box mounting assembly 10is illustrated in accordance with one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. Electrical box assembly 10 as illustrated in FIGS.1-3 basically includes a mounting bracket 12 attached between a pair ofwall studs or support members 14 via a pair of fasteners 16, a 411/16inch square electrical box 18 coupled to mounting bracket 12 via a411/16 inch square cover 20 and screws 22, and a 4 inch squareelectrical box 24 coupled to mounting bracket 12 via a 4 inch squarecover 26 and screws 28. While electrical box mounting assembly 10 isillustrated as including a pair of electrical boxes, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art that electrical box mounting assembly 10 caninclude only a single electrical box coupled to mounting bracket 12 viaits associated cover and screws, or several electrical boxes coupled tomounting bracket 12 via their associated covers and screws. Electricalbox mounting assembly 10 is designed to support two different sizeelectrical boxes such that they are not capable of significant verticalmovement relative to mounting bracket 12 when mounted thereto. Whilesome clearance space or vertical play between mounting bracket 12 andelectrical boxes 18 and 24 are permitted, it is important that thisvertical play be minimal such that the screws (not shown) of a wiringdevice (not shown) will not bottom out on mounting bracket 12. Moreover,electrical box mounting assembly 10 is especially designed to includeeither one or more 411/16 inch square electrical boxes and/or one ormore 4 inch square electrical boxes as explained below in more detail.

Mounting bracket 12 is preferably constructed as an integral, one-piece,unitary member from a metallic sheet material such as twenty gaugegalvanized sheet metal. In any event, mounting bracket 12 is preferablyconstructed of a relatively rigid, conductive sheet material. Mountingbracket 12 should have sufficient structural strength to span studs 14and support several electrical boxes thereon. Since studs 14 aretypically spaced either sixteen or twenty-four inches apart on center,mounting bracket 12 can be either approximately sixteen or twenty-fourinches in length. For purposes of describing the present invention, onlya sixteen inch mounting bracket design will be illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 8, mounting bracket 12 basically includes a topsupport rail 30, a bottom support rail 32, a first mounting end 34 and asecond mounting end 36. An elongated central cut-out portion or opening38 is defined by support rails 30 and 32 and mounting ends 34 and 36. Inother words, first mounting end 34 is coupled to and extends between thefirst ends of top and bottom support rails 30 and 32, while secondmounting end 36 is coupled to and extends between the second ends of topand bottom support rails 30 and 32 so as to define central cut-outportion or opening 38.

Top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 are substantially mirror imagesof each other, except for the indicia stamped thereon. Specifically, topand bottom support rails 30 and 32 each includes a substantiallystraight inner edge 40 and a substantially straight outer edge 42. Innerand outer edges 40 and 42 are all preferably substantially parallel toeach other and substantially perpendicular to mounting ends 34 and 36.In this embodiment, outer edges 42 of top and bottom support rails 30and 32 each includes a rearwardly extending abutment flange 44. As seenin FIGS. 4 and 5, flanges 44 provide additional rigidity to mountingbracket 12 as well as limit vertical movement of 411/16 inch squareelectrical box 18 relative to mounting bracket 12.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, inner edges 40 of top and bottom support rails30 and 32 are spaced preferably about 39/16 inches apart such that theshafts of screws 28 of the 4 inch square electrical box 24 substantiallyengages inner edges 40 of top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 so thatthe 4 inch square electrical box 24 cannot be substantially moved up ordown relative to mounting bracket 12. Of course, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that a small amount of clearance should beprovided between inner edges 40 of support rails 30 and 32 and screws 28of the 4 inch square electrical box 24. However, the clearance shouldnot be too large so as to allow the screws (not shown) of the wiringdevice (not shown) which is to be attached to cover 26 to bottom out oneither support rail 30 or 32.

Outer edges 42 of top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 are preferablyspaced about 411/16 inches to about 413/16 inches apart such that therearwardly extending abutment flanges 44 will engage the outer peripheryof the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 to substantially prevent orlimit up or down vertical movement of the 411/16 inch square electricalbox 18 relative to mounting bracket 12. In other words, abutment flanges44 are designed to engage the outer periphery of the 411/16 inch squarebox 18 to limit or prevent vertical movement relative to mountingbracket 12. Preferably, the dimension between outer edges 42 of rails 30and 32 can be slightly larger than the dimension of the 411/16 inchsquare electrical box 18 to provide for dimensional irregularities inthe parts of electrical mounting box assembly 10. In any event, thedimension between flanges 44 should not allow too much vertical movementof the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 such that the screws (notshown) of the wiring device (not shown) mounted to cover 20 will bottomout on either support rail 30 or 32.

Preferably, abutment flanges 44 are continuous flanges which areintegrally formed with its associated support rails 30 and 32. As seenin FIGS. 4 and 5, abutment flanges 44 are angled slightly outwardly fromrails 30 and 32 to allow for easy insertion of the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box 18 therebetween. Preferably, abutment flanges 44 form anangle of about ten degrees with its associated rail 30 or 32.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, first and second mounting ends 34 and 36 arepreferably substantially mirror images of each other, and each includesa hole 50 for receiving a fastener 16 therethrough for attachingmounting bracket 12 to wall studs or support members 14. Fastener 16 canbe any type of conventional fastener such as a screw or a nail as neededand/or desired.

Preferably, each of the mounting ends 34 and 36 are bent to form asubstantially flat attachment portion 52 which lies in a different planefrom the top and bottom support rails 30 and 32. Preferably, attachmentportions 52 are elevated from top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 andsubstantially parallel thereto. The distance by which the attachmentportions 52 are raised from top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 isdetermined by the thickness of covers 20 and/or 26 as well as theirattachment screws 22 and/or 28. Typically, attachment portions 52 areoffset from top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 by about 1/4 inch.

The corners of first and second mounting ends 34 and 36 are preferablyremoved to minimize the amount of material of mounting bracket 12 aswell as to avoid covering up studs or support members 14. Thus, theremoval of the corner portions allow fasteners such as nails to beeasily driven into the locations where the corners of first and secondmounting ends 34 and 36 otherwise would have been.

As seen in FIG. 9, the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 is asubstantially conventional electrical box of standard construction, andthus, electrical box 18 will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, electrical box 18 will only be discussed sufficient forone of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention.

The 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 typically has foursubstantially planar sidewalls 54 with knock-out portions 56 and a rearwall 58 with knock-out portions 60. Two of the opposed sidewalls 54 areprovided with a pair of mounting ears 62 which have threaded mountingholes 64 for receiving screws 22 therein. The vertical distance Abetween the outer vertical edges of mounting holes 64 is approximately229/32 inches, while the horizontal distance B between the outerhorizontal edges of mounting holes 64 is approximately 413/32 inches.Clearly, the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 can only be mountedvertically as shown in FIG. 9, since the vertical dimension of centralcutout 38 is about 39/16 inches in height. The depth of the 411/16 inchsquare electrical box 18 is typically either 11/2 inches deep or 21/8inches deep. Electrical box 18 has an outer height and width of about411/16 inches. Sidewalls 54 define a substantially square front opening66 for receiving a wiring device (not shown) therein.

As seen in FIG. 3, the associated cover 20 for the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box 18 is also preferably a conventional member of standardconstruction, and thus, will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, cover 20 will only be discussed such that one ofordinary skill in the art can understand the present invention.

Cover 20 is preferably constructed of a metallic sheet material such asa stamped galvanized sheet metal. The cover 20 has a central opening 68for accommodating a wiring device, a pair of threaded holes 70 forfixedly coupling a wiring device (not shown) thereto via screws (notshown), and four mounting slots 72 for receiving screws 22 to couplecover 20 to the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18. The outer edges ofthreaded holes 70 are spaced approximately 37/16 inches apart. Slots 72are located such that at least two of slots 72 are aligned with at leasttwo of the threaded mounting holes 64 in the mounting ears 62 of the411/16 inch square electrical box 18. In other words, screws 22 areinserted through two of the slots 72 and threaded into two of thethreaded holes 64 of the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 to fastencover 20 thereto. The central opening 68 allows access to the interiorof the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 after cover 20 is fastenedthereto.

As seen in FIG. 10, the 4 inch square electrical box 24 is asubstantially conventional electrical box of standard construction, andthus, electrical box 24 will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, electrical box 24 will only be discussed sufficient forone of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention.

The 4 inch square electrical box 24 typically has four substantiallyplanar sidewalls 74 with knock-out portions 76 and a rear wall 78 withknock-out portions 80. Two of the opposed sidewalls 74 are provided witha mounting ear 82 which has threaded mounting hole 84 for receivingscrews 28 therein.

The vertical distance C between the outer vertical edges of mountingholes 64 is approximately 317/32 inches. Likewise, the horizontaldistance D between the outer horizontal edges of mounting holes 84 isalso approximately 317/32 inches. Clearly, the 4 inch square electricalbox 24 can only be mounted either vertically or horizontally since thevertical dimension of central cutout 38 is about 39/16 inches in height.The depth of the 4 inch square electrical box 24 is typically either11/2 inches deep or 21/8 inches deep. Electrical box 24 has an outerheight and width of about 4 inches. Sidewalls 74 define a substantiallysquare front opening 86 for receiving a wiring device (not shown)therein.

As seen in FIG. 3, the associated cover 26 for the 4 inch squareelectrical box 24 is also preferably a conventional member of standardconstruction, and thus, will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, cover 26 will only be discussed such that one ofordinary skill in the art can understand the present invention.

Cover 26 is preferably constructed of a metallic sheet material such asa stamped galvanized sheet metal. The cover 26 has a central opening 88for accommodating a wiring device, a pair of threaded holes 90 forfixedly coupling a wiring device (not shown) thereto via screws (notshown), and four mounting slots 92 for receiving screws 28 to couplecover 26 to the 4 inch square electrical box 24. The outer edges ofthreaded holes 90 are spaced approximately 37/16 inches apart. Slots 92are located such that at least two of slots 72 are aligned with at leasttwo of the threaded mounting holes 84 in the mounting ears 82 of the 4inch square electrical box 24. In other words, screws 28 are insertedthrough slots 92 and threaded into the threaded holes 84 of the 4 inchsquare electrical box 24 to fasten cover 26 thereto. The central opening88 allows access to the interior of the 4 inch square electrical box 24after cover 26 is fastened thereto.

Installation of Electrical Box Mounting Assembly 10

Electrical box mounting assembly 10 is coupled to support members 14 byfirst placing mounting bracket 12 on a pair of adjacent support members14 such that attachment portions 52 engage the front face of supportmembers 14. Then, fasteners 16 are inserted through holes 50 to fixedlysecure mounting bracket 12 to support members 14. As attached, the frontface of mounting bracket 12 is substantially flush with the front planeof the support members 14.

After the mounting bracket 12 is secured, one of the electrical boxes 18or 24 is placed against the rear surface of mounting bracket 12 with itsfront opening 66 or 86 engaging the rear surface of top and bottomsupport rails 30 and 32. In the case of the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box 18, the upper and bottom sidewalls 54 are substantiallyadjacent or engage abutment flanges 44 to limit or prevent verticalmovement of electrical box 18 relative to mounting bracket 12. In thecase of the 4 inch square electrical box 24, the threaded mounting holes84 in the mounting ears 82 are positioned substantially adjacent butslightly spaced inwardly from the inner edges 40 of the top and bottomsupport rails 30 and 32 such that mounting screws 28 engage inner edges40 of support rails 30 and 32 to limit or prevent vertical movement ofelectrical box 24 relative to mounting bracket 12.

Next, the associated cover 20 or 26 is placed against the front surfaceof the top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 such that the cover 20 or26 is opposite electrical boxes 18 or 24, respectively. In thisposition, either slots 72 of cover 20 are aligned with holes 64 ofelectrical box 18 or the slots 92 of cover 26 are aligned with the holes84 of electrical box 24. Now, the screws 22 or 28 are threaded into theholes 64 or 84 of the mounting ears 62 or 82 to fasten cover 20 or 26 toelectrical box 18 or 24.

In either case, screws 22 of electrical box 18 and screws 28 ofelectrical box 24 both extend through central cutout 38 such thatelectrical boxes 18 and 24 can be positioned anywhere along the lengthof central cutout 38. In other words, screws 22 and 28 do not go througheither the top or bottom support rails 30 or 32 of mounting bracket 12,but instead pass through the central cutout 38 of mounting bracket 12.This obviates any need to provide holes in either of the top or bottomrails 30 or 32. Thus, the positioning of electrical boxes 18 and 24 arenot constrained by holes in the top or bottom rails 30 or 32.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that additionalelectrical boxes may be mounted onto mounting bracket 12 by repeatingthe above-mentioned steps for each electrical box. Moreover, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that any combination of electricalboxes of different depths and sizes can be mounted to mounting bracket12 within the constraints of the length of the central cutout 38.

Electrical Box Mounting Assembly 210

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, an electrical box mounting assembly 210 inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. Electrical box assembly 210 is similar in construction toelectrical box assembly 10, discussed above, except that top and bottomsupport rails 30 and 32 of mounting bracket 12 has been modified inelectrical box assembly 210. Thus, electrical box mounting assembly 210will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

Electrical box assembly 210 basically includes a mounting bracket 212attached between a pair of wall studs or support members via a pair offasteners in the same manner as discussed above in the first embodiment.The electrical box assembly 210 also includes the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box 18, the 411/16 inch square cover 20 and screws 22, alldiscussed above, as well as the 4 inch square electrical box 24, the 4inch square cover 26 and screws 28 also, all discussed above. Whileelectrical box mounting assembly 210 is illustrated as including a pairof electrical boxes, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat electrical box mounting assembly 210 can include only a singleelectrical box coupled to mounting bracket 212 via its associated coverand screws, or several electrical boxes coupled to mounting bracket 212via their associated covers and screws.

Electrical box mounting assembly 210 is designed to support twodifferent size electrical boxes such that they are not capable ofsignificant vertical movement relative to mounting bracket 212 whenmounted thereto. While some clearance space or vertical play betweenmounting bracket 212 and electrical boxes 18 and 24 are permitted, it isimportant that this vertical play be minimal such that the screws (notshown) of a wiring device (not shown) will not bottom out on mountingbracket 212. Moreover, similar to the first embodiment, electrical boxmounting assembly 210 is especially designed to include either one ormore 411/16 inch square electrical boxes and/or one or more 4 inchsquare electrical boxes as explained above in more detail in referenceto the first embodiment.

Mounting bracket 212 is preferably constructed as an integral,one-piece, unitary member from a metallic sheet material such as twentygauge galvanized sheet metal. In any event, mounting bracket 212 ispreferably constructed of a relatively rigid, conductive sheet material.Mounting bracket 212 should have sufficient structural strength to spana pair of wall studs and support several electrical boxes thereon. Sincewall studs are typically spaced either sixteen or twenty-four inchesapart on center, mounting bracket 212 can be either approximatelysixteen or twenty-four inches in length. For purposes of describing thepresent invention, only a sixteen inch mounting bracket design will beillustrated.

Referring to FIG. 11, mounting bracket 212 basically includes a topsupport rail 230, a bottom support rail 232, a first mounting end 234and a second mounting end 236. An elongated central cut-out portion oropening 238 is defined by support rails 230 and 232 and mounting ends234 and 236. In other words, first mounting end 234 is coupled to andextends between the first ends of top and bottom support rails 230 and232, while second mounting end 236 is coupled to and extends between thesecond ends of top and bottom support rails 230 and 232 so as to definecentral cutout portion or opening 238.

Top and bottom support rails 230 and 232 each includes a substantiallystraight inner edge 240 and a substantially straight outer edge 242.Inner and outer edges 240 and 242 are all preferably substantiallyparallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to mounting ends234 and 236. In this embodiment, outer edges 242 of top and bottomsupport rails 230 and 232 each includes a rearwardly extending abutmentflange 244. As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, flanges 244 are substantiallyZ-shaped in transverse cross-section and provide additional rigidity tomounting bracket 212 as well as limit vertical movement of 411/16 inchsquare electrical box 18 relative to mounting bracket 212.

As seen in FIG. 11, inner edges 240 of top and bottom support rails 230and 232 are spaced preferably about 39/16 inches apart such that theshafts of screws 28 of the 4 inch square electrical box 24 substantiallyengages inner edges 240 of top and bottom support rails 230 and 232 sothat the 4 inch square electrical box 24 cannot be substantially movedup or down relative to mounting bracket 212. Of course, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that a small amount of clearanceshould be provided between inner edges 240 of support rails 230 and 232and screws 28 of the 4 inch square electrical box 24. However, theclearance should not be too large so as to allow the screws (not shown)of the wiring device (not shown) which is to be attached to cover 26 viaholes 90 to bottom out on either support rail 230 or 232.

Outer edges 242 of top and bottom support rails 230 and 232 arepreferably spaced about 411/16 inches to 413/16 inches apart such thatthe first portion of the rearwardly extending abutment flanges 244 canengage the outer periphery of the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18to substantially prevent or limit up or down vertical movement of the411/16 inch square electrical box 18 relative to mounting bracket 212.In other words, the first part of the Z-shaped abutment flanges 244 aredesigned to engage the outer periphery of the 411/16 inch square box 18to limit or prevent vertical movement relative to mounting bracket 212.Preferably, the dimension between outer edges 242 of rails 230 and 232can be slightly larger than the dimension of the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box 18 to provide for dimensional irregularities in the partsof electrical mounting box assembly 210. In any event, the dimensionbetween flanges 244 should not allow too much vertical movement of the411/16 inch square electrical box 18 such that the screws (not shown) ofthe wiring device (not shown) which is to be mounted to cover 20 viaholes 70 will bottom out on either support rail 230 or 232.

Preferably, abutment flanges 244 are continuous flanges which areintegrally formed with its associated support rails 230 and 232. As seenin FIGS. 12 and 13, abutment flanges 44 are angled slightly outwardlyfrom rails 230 and 232 to allow for easy insertion of the 411/16 inchsquare electrical box 18 therebetween. Preferably, abutment flanges 244are angled about ten degrees to permit stacking of mounting bracket 212with other similarly constructed mounting brackets.

First and second mounting ends 234 and 236 are preferably substantiallymirror images of each other, and each includes a hole 250 for receivinga fastener (not shown) therethrough for attaching mounting bracket 212to a pair of wall studs or support members (not shown). Any type ofconventional fastener can be used, such as a screw or a nail.

Preferably, each of the mounting ends 234 and 236 are bent to form asubstantially flat attachment portion 252 which lies in a differentplane from the top and bottom support rails 230 and 232. Preferably,attachment portions 252 are elevated from top and bottom support rails230 and 232 and substantially parallel thereto. The distance by whichthe attachment portions 252 are raised from top and bottom support rails230 and 232 is determined by the thickness of covers 20 and/or 26 aswell as their attachment screws 22 and/or 28. Typically, attachmentportions 252 are offset from top and bottom support rails 230 and 232 byabout 1/4 inch.

Electrical Box Mounting Assembly 310

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, an electrical box mounting assembly 310 inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. Electrical box assembly 310 is similar in construction toelectrical box assembly 10, discussed above, except that top and bottomsupport rails 30 and 32 of mounting bracket 12 has been modified inelectrical box assembly 310. Thus, electrical box mounting assembly 310will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

Electrical box assembly 310 basically includes a mounting bracket 312attached between a pair of wall studs or support members in the samemanner as discussed above in the first embodiment via a pair offasteners. The electrical box assembly 310 also includes the 411/16 inchsquare electrical box 18, the 411/16 inch square cover 20 and screws 22,all discussed above, as well as the 4 inch square electrical box 24, the4 inch square cover 26 and screws 28, all discussed above. Whileelectrical box mounting assembly 310 is illustrated as including a pairof electrical boxes, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat electrical box mounting assembly 310 can include only a singleelectrical box coupled to mounting bracket 312 via its associated coverand screws, or several electrical boxes coupled to mounting bracket 312via their associated covers and screws.

Electrical box mounting assembly 310 is designed to support twodifferent size electrical boxes such that they are not capable ofsignificant vertical movement relative to mounting bracket 312 whenmounted thereto. While some clearance space or vertical play betweenmounting bracket 312 and electrical boxes 18 and 24 are permitted, it isimportant that this vertical play be minimal such that the screws (notshown) of a wiring device (not shown) will not bottom out on mountingbracket 312. Moreover, similar to the first embodiment, electrical boxmounting assembly 310 is especially designed to include either one ormore 411/16 inch square electrical boxes and/or one or more 4 inchsquare electrical boxes as explained above in more detail in referenceto the first embodiment.

Mounting bracket 312 is preferably constructed as an integral,one-piece, unitary member from a metallic sheet material such as twentygauge galvanized sheet metal. In any event, mounting bracket 312 ispreferably constructed of a relatively rigid, conductive sheet material.Mounting bracket 312 should have sufficient structural strength to spana pair of wall studs and support several electrical boxes thereon. Sincewall studs are typically spaced either sixteen or twenty-four inchesapart on center, mounting bracket 312 can be either approximatelysixteen or twenty-four inches in length. For purposes of describing thepresent invention, only a sixteen inch mounting bracket design will beillustrated.

Referring to FIG. 14, mounting bracket 312 basically includes a topsupport rail 330, a bottom support rail 332, a first mounting end 334and a second mounting end 336. An elongated central cut-out portion oropening 338 is defined by support rails 330 and 332 and mounting ends334 and 336. In other words, first mounting end 334 is coupled to andextends between the first ends of top and bottom support rails 330 and332, while second mounting end 336 is coupled to and extends between thesecond ends of top and bottom support rails 330 and 332 so as to definecentral cutout portion or opening 338.

Top and bottom support rails 330 and 332 each includes a substantiallystraight inner edge 340 and a substantially straight outer edge 342.Inner and outer edges 340 and 342 are all preferably substantiallyparallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to mounting ends334 and 336. In this embodiment, outer edges 342 of top and bottomsupport rails 330 and 332 each includes a rearwardly extending flange344 and a plurality of indentations or abutments 345 stamped intosupport rails 330 and 332. In other words, abutments 345 are top andbottom protrusions which limit the vertical movement of a 411/16 inchsquare electrical box relative to mounting bracket 318.

As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, flanges 344 provide additional rigidity tomounting bracket 312, while abutments 345 limit vertical movement of411/16 inch square electrical box 18 relative to mounting bracket 312.More specifically, abutments 345 are vertically spaced about 411/16 toabout 413/16 inches apart at their inner ends to prevent or limitvertical movement of the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18. Abutments345 are also horizontally spaced about 13/4 inches apart so that atleast two abutments 345 engage both the top and bottom sidewalls ofelectrical box 18 regardless of its position in central cutout 338.

As seen in FIG. 14, inner edges 340 of top and bottom support rails 330and 332 are spaced preferably about 39/16 inches apart such that theshafts of screws 28 of the 4 inch square electrical box 24 substantiallyengages inner edges 340 of top and bottom support rails 330 and 332 sothat the 4 inch square electrical box 24 cannot be substantially movedup or down relative to mounting bracket 312. Of course, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that a small amount of clearanceshould be provided between inner edges 340 of support rails 330 and 332and screws 28 of the 4 inch square electrical box 24. However, theclearance should not be too large so as to allow the screws (not shown)of the wiring device (not shown) which is to be attached to cover 26 tobottom out on either support rail 330 or 332.

In other words abutments 345 will engage the outer periphery of the411/16 inch square electrical box 18 to substantially prevent or limitup or down vertical movement of the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18relative to mounting bracket 312. Preferably, the dimension between theinner edges of the top and bottom sets of abutments 345 can be slightlylarger than the dimension of the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 toprovide for dimensional irregularities in the parts of electricalmounting box assembly 310. In any event, the dimension between abutment345 should not allow too much vertical movement of the 411/16 inchsquare electrical box 18 such that the screws (not shown) of the wiringdevice (not shown) which is to be mounted to cover 20 via holes 70 willbottom out on either support rail 330 or 332.

First and second mounting ends 334 and 336 are preferably substantiallymirror images of each other, and each includes a hole 350 for receivinga fastener therethrough for attaching mounting bracket 312 to wall studsor support members. Any type of conventional fastener can be utilizedsuch as a screw or a nail.

Preferably, each of the mounting ends 334 and 336 are bent to form asubstantially flat attachment portion 352 which lies in a differentplane from the top and bottom support rails 330 and 332. Preferably,attachment portions 352 are elevated from top and bottom support rails330 and 332 and substantially parallel thereto. The distance by whichthe attachment portions 352 are raised from top and bottom support rails330 and 332 is determined by the thickness of covers 20 and/or 26 aswell as their attachment screws 22 and/or 28. Typically, attachmentportions 352 are offset from top and bottom support rails 330 and 332 byabout 1/4 inch.

Electrical Box Mounting Assembly 410

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, an electrical box mounting assembly 410 inaccordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. Electrical box assembly 410 is similar in construction toelectrical box assembly 10, discussed above, except that top and bottomsupport rails 30 and 32 of mounting bracket 12 has been modified inelectrical box assembly 410. Thus, electrical box mounting assembly 410will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

Electrical box assembly 410 basically includes a mounting bracket 412attached between a pair of wall studs or support members via a pair offasteners in the same manner as discussed above in the first embodiment.The electrical box assembly 410 also includes the 411/16 inch squareelectrical box 18, the 411/16 inch square cover 20 and screws 22, alldiscussed above, as well as the 4 inch square electrical box 24, the 4inch square cover 26 and screws 28, all discussed above. Whileelectrical box mounting assembly 410 is illustrated as including a pairof electrical boxes, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat electrical box mounting assembly 410 can include only a singleelectrical box coupled to mounting bracket 412 via its associated coverand screws, or several electrical boxes coupled to mounting bracket 412via their associated covers and screws.

Electrical box mounting assembly 410 is designed to support twodifferent size electrical boxes such that they are not capable ofsignificant vertical movement relative to mounting bracket 412 whenmounted thereto. While some clearance space or vertical play betweenmounting bracket 412 and electrical boxes 18 and 24 are permitted, it isimportant that this vertical play be minimal such that the screws (notshown) of a wiring device (not shown) will not bottom out on mountingbracket 412. Moreover, similar to the first embodiment, electrical boxmounting assembly 410 is especially designed to include either one ormore 411/16 inch square electrical boxes and/or one or more 4 inchsquare electrical boxes as explained above in more detail in referenceto the first embodiment.

Mounting bracket 412 is preferably constructed as an integral,one-piece, unitary member from a metallic sheet material such as twentygauge galvanized sheet metal. In any event, mounting bracket 412 ispreferably constructed of a relatively rigid, conductive sheet material.Mounting bracket 412 should have sufficient structural strength to spana pair of wall studs and support several electrical boxes thereon. Sincewall studs are typically spaced either sixteen or twenty-four inchesapart on center, mounting bracket 412 can be either approximatelysixteen or twenty-four inches in length. For purposes of describing thepresent invention, only a sixteen inch mounting bracket design will beillustrated.

Referring to FIG. 17, mounting bracket 412 basically includes a topsupport rail 430, a bottom support rail 432, a first mounting end 434and a second mounting end 436. An elongated central cut-out portion oropening 438 is defined by support rails 430 and 432 and mounting ends434 and 436. In other words, first mounting end 434 is coupled to andextends between the first ends of top and bottom support rails 430 and432, while second mounting end 436 is coupled to and extends between thesecond ends of top and bottom support rails 430 and 432 so as to definecentral cutout portion or opening 438.

Top and bottom support rails 430 and 432 are substantially mirror imagesof each other, except for the indicia stamped thereon. Specifically, topand bottom support rails 430 and 432 each includes a substantiallystraight inner edge 440 and a substantially straight outer edge 442.Inner and outer edges 440 and 442 are all preferably substantiallyparallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to mounting ends434 and 436.

In this embodiment, outer edges 442 of top and bottom support rails 430and 432 each includes an abutment flange 444. As seen in FIGS. 18 and19, each of the flanges 444 is substantially U-shaped in cross-sectionand initially extends forwardly from support rails 430 and 432, thenextends substantially parallel to support rails 430 and 432, and finallyextends rearwardly relative to support rails 430 and 432. Flanges 444provide additional rigidity to mounting bracket 412 as well as limitvertical movement of 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 relative tomounting bracket 412.

As seen in FIG. 17, inner edges 440 of top and bottom support rails 430and 432 are spaced preferably about 39/16 inches apart such that theshafts of screws 28 of the 4 inch square electrical box 24 substantiallyengages inner edges 440 of top and bottom support rails 430 and 432 sothat the 4 inch square electrical box 24 cannot be substantially movedup or down relative to mounting bracket 412. Of course, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that a small amount of clearanceshould be provided between inner edges 440 of support rails 430 and 432and screws 28 of the 4 inch square electrical box 24. However, theclearance should not be too large so as to allow the screws (not shown)of the wiring device (not shown) which is to be attached to cover 26 tobottom out on either support rail 430 or 432.

Outer edges 42 of top and bottom support rails 30 and 32 are preferablyspaced about 411/16 inches to 413/16 inches apart such that theforwardly extending parts of abutment flanges 44 will engage the outerperiphery of the 411/16 inch square cover 20 to substantially prevent orlimit up or down vertical movement of the 411/16 inch square electricalbox 18 relative to mounting bracket 12 when cover 20 is coupled thereto.In other words, abutment flanges 444 are designed to engage the outerperiphery of the 411/16 inch square cover 20 to limit or preventvertical movement of the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 relativeto mounting bracket 412. Preferably, the dimension between outer edges442 of rails 430 and 432 can be slightly larger than the dimension ofthe 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 to provide for dimensionalirregularities in the parts of electrical mounting box assembly 410. Inany event, the dimension between flanges 444 should not allow too muchvertical movement of the 411/16 inch square electrical box 18 such thatthe screws (not shown) of the wiring device (not shown) mounted to cover20 via holes 70 will touch inner edges 440 of support rails 430 and 432.

Preferably, abutment flanges 444 are continuous flanges which areintegrally formed with its associated support rails 430 and 432. As seenin FIGS. 18 and 19, abutment flanges 444 are angled slightly outwardlyfrom rails 30 and 32 to allow for easy insertion of the 411/16 inchsquare electrical box 18 therebetween as well as to allow stacking ofmounting bracket 412 with other mounting brackets of similarconstruction. Preferably, the forwardly extending part of abutmentflanges 444 form an angle of about ten degrees with its associated rail30 or 32.

First and second mounting ends 434 and 436 are preferably substantiallymirror images of each other, and each includes a hole 450 for receivinga fastener therethrough for attaching mounting bracket 412 to a pair ofwall studs or support members. Any type of conventional fastener can beused such as a screw or a nail.

Preferably, each of the mounting ends 434 and 436 are bent to form asubstantially flat attachment portion 452 which lies in a differentplane from the top and bottom support rails 430 and 432. Preferably,attachment portions 452 are elevated from top and bottom support rails430 and 432 and substantially parallel thereto. The distance by whichthe attachment portions 452 are raised from top and bottom support rails430 and 432 is determined by the thickness of covers 20 and/or 26 aswell as their attachment screws 22 and/or 28. Typically, attachmentportions 452 are offset from top and bottom support rails 430 and 432 byabout 1/4 inch.

While only four embodiments have been chosen to illustrate theinvention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications can be made herein without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting bracket for selectively mounting both4 inch square electrical boxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxesthereto and for attachment between first and second adjacent supportmembers, comprising:a top support rail having a front surface, a rearsurface, an inner edge and an outer edge, said top support rail beingfree of mounting apertures for accommodating a fastener, said topsupport rail further having a top abutment; a bottom support rail havinga front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, saidbottom support rail being free of mounting apertures for accommodating afastener, said bottom support rail further having a bottom abutment; afirst mounting end coupled to and extending between first ends of saidtop and bottom support rails, said first mounting end being adapted tobe attached to the first support member; and a second mounting endcoupled to and extending between second ends of said top and bottomsupport rails, said second mounting end being adapted to be attached tothe second support member; said top and bottom support rails beingspaced apart by said first and second mounting ends to define anelongated central cut-out portion; said inner edges of said top andbottom support rails being spaced apart by a distance which issubstantially equal to or slightly greater than an outer distancemeasured between a pair of mounting holes in mounting ears of a 4 inchsquare electrical box, and said top and bottom abutments being spacedapart by a distance which is substantially equal to or slightly greaterthan a 411/16 inch square electrical box's outer dimension, said topabutment extending rearwardly from said rear surface of said top supportrail, and said bottom abutment extending rearwardly from said rearsurface of said bottom support rail, said top abutment being formed by aplurality of top protrusions formed in said top support rail.
 2. Amounting bracket according to claim 1, whereinsaid bottom abutment isformed by a plurality of bottom protrusions formed in said bottomsupport rail.
 3. A mounting bracket according to claim 2, whereinsaidprotrusions are spaced at least less than approximately two inchesapart.
 4. A mounting bracket according to claim 2, whereinsaidprotrusions are formed substantially adjacent to said outer edges ofsaid top and bottom support rails.
 5. A mounting bracket according toclaim 4, further comprisinga top flange extending rearwardly from saidtop support rail, and a bottom flange extending rearwardly from saidbottom support rail, said top and bottom flanges being spaced outwardlyrelative to said top and bottom protrusions, respectively.
 6. A mountingbracket for selectively mounting both 4 inch square electrical boxes and411/16 inch square electrical boxes thereto and for attachment betweenfirst and second adjacent support members, comprising:a top support railhaving a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge,said top support rail being free of mounting apertures for accommodatinga fastener, said top support rail further having a top abutment; abottom support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inneredge and an outer edge, said bottom support rail being free of mountingapertures for accommodating a fastener, said bottom support rail furtherhaving a bottom abutment; a first mounting end coupled to and extendingbetween first ends of said top and bottom support rails, said firstmounting end being adapted to be attached to the first support member;and a second mounting end coupled to and extending between second endsof said top and bottom support rails, said second mounting end beingadapted to be attached to the second support member; said top and bottomsupport rails being spaced apart by said first and second mounting endsto define an elongated central cut-out portion; said inner edges of saidtop and bottom support rails being spaced apart by a distance which issubstantially equal to or slightly greater than an outer distancemeasured between a pair of mounting holes in mounting ears of a 4 inchsquare electrical box, and said top and bottom abutments being spacedapart by a distance which is substantially equal to or slightly greaterthan a 411/16 inch square electrical boxes outer dimension, said top andbottom support rails being bent to form said top and bottom abutments,said top abutment being formed on said front surface of said top supportrail by a substantially continuous top shoulder, and said bottomabutment being formed on said front surface of said bottom support railby a substantially continuous bottom shoulder, a top flange extendingrearwardly from said top support rail and a bottom flange extendingrearwardly from said bottom support rail, said top and bottom flangesbeing spaced further apart than said top and bottom abutments.
 7. Anelectrical box mounting bracket assembly for selectively mounting both 4inch square electrical boxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxesthereto and for attachment between first and second adjacent supportmembers, comprising:an electrical box having an annular side, a closedrear end and an open front end, said annular side having at least twoinwardly extending mounting flanges with a threaded mounting hole ineach of said mounting flanges; a cover having a front surface, a rearsurface and at least two mounting slots arranged in alignment with saidmounting holes of said electrical box; an electrical box mountingbracket coupled between said open front end of said electrical box andsaid rear surface of said cover, said electrical box mounting bracketincludinga top support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, aninner edge and an outer edge, said top support rail being free ofmounting apertures for accommodating a fastener, said top support railfurther having a top abutment, a bottom support rail having a frontsurface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, said bottomsupport rail being free of mounting apertures for accommodating afastener, said bottom support rail further having a bottom abutment, afirst mounting end coupled to and extending between first ends of saidtop and bottom support rails, said first mounting end being adapted tobe attached to the first support member, and a second mounting endcoupled to and extending between second ends of said top and bottomsupport rails, said second mounting end being adapted to be attached tothe second support member, said top and bottom support rails beingspaced apart by said first and second mounting ends to define anelongated central cut-out portion, said inner edges of said top andbottom support rails being spaced apart by a distance which issubstantially equal to or slightly greater than the distance between apair of mounting holes in mounting ears of a 4 inch square electricalbox, and said top and bottom abutments being spaced apart by a distancewhich is substantially equal to or slightly greater than a 411/16 inchsquare electrical box's outer dimensions, said top abutment extendingrearwardly from said rear surface of said top support rail, and saidbottom abutment extending rearwardly from said rear surface of saidbottom support rail, said top abutment being formed by a plurality oftop protrusions formed in said top support rail.
 8. A mounting bracketaccording to claim 7, whereinsaid bottom abutment is formed by aplurality of bottom protrusions formed in said bottom support rail.
 9. Amounting bracket according to claim 8, whereinsaid protrusions arespaced at least less than approximately two inches apart.
 10. A mountingbracket according to claim 8, whereinsaid protrusions are formedsubstantially adjacent to said outer edges of said top and bottomsupport rails.
 11. A mounting bracket according to claim 10, furthercomprisinga top flange extending rearwardly from said top support rail,and a bottom flange extending rearwardly from said bottom support rail,said top and bottom flanges being spaced outwardly relative to said topand bottom protrusions, respectively.
 12. An electrical box mountingbracket assembly for selectively mounting both 4 inch square electricalboxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxes thereto and for attachmentbetween first and second adjacent support members, comprising:anelectrical box having an annular side, a closed rear end and an openfront end, said annular side having at least two inwardly extendingmounting flanges with a threaded mounting hole in each of said mountingflanges; a cover having a front surface, a rear surface and at least twomounting slots arranged in alignment with said mounting holes of saidelectrical box; an electrical box mounting bracket coupled between saidopen front end of said electrical box and said rear surface of saidcover, said electrical box mounting bracket includinga top support railhaving a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge,said top support rail being free of mounting apertures for accommodatinga fastener, said top support rail further having a top abutment, abottom support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inneredge and an outer edge, said bottom support rail being free of mountingapertures for accommodating a fastener, said bottom support rail furtherhaving a bottom abutment, a first mounting end coupled to and extendingbetween first ends of said top and bottom support rails, said firstmounting end being adapted to be attached to the first support member,and a second mounting end coupled to and extending between second endsof said top and bottom support rails, said second mounting end beingadapted to be attached to the second support member, said top and bottomsupport rails being spaced apart by said first and second mounting endsto define an elongated central cut-out portion, said inner edges of saidtop and bottom support rails being spaced apart by a distance which issubstantially equal to or slightly greater than the distance between apair of mounting holes in mounting ears of a 4 inch square electricalbox, and said top and bottom abutments being spaced apart by a distancewhich is substantially equal to or slightly greater than a 411/16 inchsquare electrical box's outer dimensions, said top and bottom abutmentsbeing formed on said front surfaces of said top and bottom supportrails, said top and bottom support rails being bent to form said top andbottom abutments, said top abutment being formed by a substantiallycontinuous top shoulder, and said bottom abutment being formed by asubstantially continuous bottom shoulder, a top flange extendingrearwardly from said top support rail and a bottom flange extendingrearwardly from said bottom support rail, said top and bottom flangesbeing spaced further apart than said top and bottom abutments.